A long-running housing dispute affecting around 1,300 homes in Salford has come to an end following the council’s decision to move ahead with its selective landlord licensing scheme.
The scheme, which covered parts of Kersal and Broughton Park, required landlords to obtain a licence to rent properties, aiming to improve housing standards, reduce anti-social behaviour, and ensure better management of private rented homes.
The decision was not without controversy. Independent councillor Andrew Walters, representing Kersal and Broughton Park, argued that there had been “insufficient consideration” of elected members’ views.
He challenged the council’s assessment of “low housing demand” in the area, claiming that research supporting this conclusion was “exclusively” focused on Broughton.
Councillor Walters suggested removing the “relatively few streets” in his ward from the scheme, stating: “For every house in the area I could find 10 buyers who would pay above market rate, there’s huge housing demand.”
He also previously warned that licensing costs could be passed on to tenants, potentially pushing rents higher.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett responded that only two out of six councillors in the wards had formally submitted views during the consultation, including Councillor Walters.
He explained that decisions about low housing demand were based on multiple factors, including property values, turnover, and tenancy length. A council officer added that the majority of home sales in the designated areas were to landlords rather than owner-occupiers.
At the council meeting, there were five votes in favour of taking no further action, with two votes against from Councillors Andrew Walters and Arnold Saunders.
With the dispute resolved, the council said it would implement the scheme promptly, providing landlords and tenants with clarity and reinforcing standards across Salford’s private rented sector.
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